Learning the technique and choosing the right equipment are the first steps, then you can move on to your favorite kite discipline.

Kitesurfing has become a worldwide water sports phenomenon. This discipline, born in the late 90’s, has conquered hearts and minds thanks to its ability to offer pure adrenaline: the image of the kiter dancing on the waves evokes a sense of freedom and adventure that few other sports can match.

Approaching kitesurfing, however, requires a conscious attitude: it is certainly not a sport to be taken lightly, but on the contrary, it requires practice, skill and dedication.

Kitesurfing is not just a sport, it is a culture, a way of life. Kitesurfing communities around the world share a passion that goes beyond mere sport; it is a feeling of belonging to a “tribe” that loves the sea, the wind and freedom.

If you are thinking of getting started in this sport, here are some useful tips to learn how to “fly” on a board.

Read also: How to properly wear a wetsuit

Kitesurfing: 4 tips for learning how to do it

Preparation and equipment: two essential aspects

First of all, you need good physical preparation and the right equipment, and this applies to everyone, but especially to beginners.

Athletic preparation is not optional; on the contrary, it is essential to be able to kitesurf without risk of injury.

Deciding which equipment to buy depends on several factors, such as weight, skill level and personal goals. For beginners, it is advisable to opt for a multi-purpose kite, which allows versatile riding and offers a good wind range.

As for the board, a freeride board is the recommended choice, because it is less stiff and more “tolerant” of mistakes: they are ideal for learning basic maneuvers. The weight of the rider also influences the choice of board: heavier riders need larger boards to ensure adequate traction.

Another element that should not be overlooked is the trapeze. For beginners, a seat harness can be a comfortable option, as it is designed to prevent the pull of the kite from pushing it past the belly band.

Finally, a wetsuit is essential to protect the body from water temperatures and ensure optimal comfort while sailing. The choice of wetsuit varies according to the season, with thicknesses ranging from 2 mm in summer to 5 mm in winter.

Learning the basic maneuvers

For those who are new to kitesurfing, it is essential to acquire a solid technical base and become familiar with some basic maneuvers, such as the Toeside, which consists of changing the board’s gear while maintaining speed and tension on the kite’s lines, the Carving, a change of direction that consists of quickly moving from the tip to a new edge with the weight on the heels, and the Popping, which is performed using a wave as a ramp and pushing with the back foot while slightly lifting the kite.

One of the fundamental kitesurfing techniques is to start from the water: the kite must be placed at the zenith, keeping the board in a downwind position without sinking it, and with the arms gently resting on the bar to regulate the power during take-off.

To learn the technique, a course with qualified instructors is essential, especially if you have advantages in terms of location, such as a good kitesurfing school in Fuerteventura, the ideal island for this activity: a trained teacher can facilitate learning and provide support during practice.

Choosing a kitesurfing school and lessons

By the way, choosing the right school to learn kitesurfing is not a trivial matter. There are some factors to take into account

• Type of course (private or group): while private courses offer tailored lessons and can accelerate learning, group courses can be more stimulating and fun, facilitating learning through discussion with others. The choice depends on personal preferences
• Weather conditions: choosing a school in a region with favorable weather conditions and waters suitable for kitesurfing is essential. For example, learning to kitesurf in calm waters can be easier than in rough seas.
• Services andmaterial: a good school should offer quality material and a good variety of services.
• Qualified instructors: choosing a school with qualified and experienced instructors guarantees a high level of professionalism and safety.

Choose your kitesurfing discipline

Once you’ve learned the basics, you can move on to the different disciplines to choose from, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Let’s take a look at the most popular ones:

• Big Air: requires the ability to face the strongest winds and a good technique to perform jumps at considerable heights. Those who wish to experience the thrill of maneuvering at great heights, using the wave as a ramp, may opt for this discipline.
• Wave Kitesurfing: those who appreciate surfing will also appreciate this form of kitesurfing, which involves the use of a single-use strapless board, as well as excellent coordination.
• Freestyle Strapless Kitesurfing: combines the elements of Big Air and Wave, adding the difficulty of performing jumps with a strapless board. It is suitable for those who already master the navigation without straps.
• RaceFormula Kite: Olympic discipline, Race Formula Kite requires speed, skill in controlling the sail and precision in maneuvers. Lovers of competition and racing adrenaline have found what they are looking for.

The choice of discipline depends on the personal preferences, skills and objectives of each kiter.

Read also: How long does it take to learn to surf? Let’s clarify

To conclude

Kitesurfing is an exciting sport, but it requires patience, tenacity and knowledge of the waves and the sea. We have seen 4 useful tips for those who want to learn kitesurfing: if you are among them, you know where to start. And don’t forget that our kitesurfing school in Fuerteventura offers kitesurfing courses for all levels, taught by qualified instructors: find out all about it on our website Pointbreakschool.com! So, are we ready to… Kitesurfing?

Takeaways

• Kitesurfing is more than a sport, it is a lifestyle. It offers not only adrenaline, but also a strong sense of belonging to a community passionate about the sea, the wind and freedom.
• To avoid injury and fully enjoy the sport, it is crucial to be in good physical shape and to use the right equipment that fits your personal characteristics and abilities.
• Practicing movements such as the Toeside and Carving, among others, is key to gaining confidence and better control of the kite and board while riding.
• It is important to look for a school with qualified instructors, good weather conditions and quality equipment to ensure efficient and safe learning.
• There are different disciplines in kitesurfing. Each one has its own challenges: from extreme jumps in Big Air to the precise coordination of Wave Kitesurfing or the competitive speed of Formula Kite. The choice will depend on the preferences and skills of the practitioner.

FAQ

What preparation is needed to practice kitesurfing?

To practice kitesurfing it is essential to have a good physical preparation, as it is a sport that requires effort and control of the body. In addition, it is necessary to have the right equipment, such as a multipurpose kite, a freeride board and a wetsuit depending on the season.

What are the basic kitesurfing maneuvers?

When starting kitesurfing, it is essential to learn basic maneuvers such as toeside, carving and popping. These techniques allow you to control the kite and the board while riding.

How to choose a kitesurfing school?

To choose a good kitesurfing school, it is important to consider factors such as the type of course (private or group), the weather conditions of the location, the equipment offered and the qualifications of the instructors.